Three sweetpotato projects supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) were showcased recently during the forum, “Beyond Roots: Sweetpotato Innovations for a Sustainable and Healthier Future,” held at the RD Guerrero Hall at the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC), DOST-PCAARRD.
Sweetpotato, locally known as ‘kamote,’ remains one of the Philippines’ most important root crops. It is widely cultivated across the country, particularly in Luzon and Visayas, and serves as a key food and industrial crop. A decrease in sweetpotato production has been experienced in recent years due to pest infestations, limited processing capacity, and inconsistent adoption of improved varieties and technologies. Ongoing R&D interventions address these gaps by improving productivity, expanding utilization, and strengthening the value chain to support farming communities.
The forum aimed to inform the public about the accomplishments of DOST-PCAARRD-funded programs and projects, monitored by the Crops Research Division (CRD) and the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), contributing to improved sweetpotato productivity, utilization, and value addition.
One of the projects was presented by Dr. Karen B. Alviar of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). She discussed the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) as a biopesticide against sweetpotato weevil—one of the most destructive pests of the crop. Sweetpotato weevils (Cylas formicarius) burrow into the tuber, causing discoloration and bitter taste, rendering the produce unmarketable. Severe infestations can result in a yield loss of up to 80%. To address this, the researchers are exploring biological control and RNAi-based technologies to provide farmers with more sustainable and effective protection for their crops.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lemuel Karl A. Tadios of the Samar State University (SSU) presented the results from the S&T Community-Based Farm (STCBF) on sweetpotato production and processing. The project introduced locally-fabricated sweetpotato slicers, dryers, and pulverizers that enable the efficient transformation of fresh roots into high-quality flour. These innovations increased flour recovery rates from 16% to as high as 40%, offering farmers greater value, reducing waste, and opening more opportunities for sweetpotato-based products.
Lastly, Prof. Marlon M. Tambis of the Visayas State University (VSU) shared about the use of smart technologies and strategic partnerships to strengthen the agri-aqua food value chain in Western Samar. The project employed science-based interventions, including high-yielding and purpose-specific varieties (SP17, SP35, SP36, and Japonita for fries), good agricultural practices (GAP), pheromone traps for weevil control, and zero-waste processing methods. Extensive capacity-building activities were also conducted–equipping farmers, processors, and cooperatives with good manufacturing practices, food safety, sanitation, production scheduling, equipment operation, and both primary and secondary sweetpotato processing.
Through these initiatives, DOST-PCAARRD continues to drive innovations that uplift communities, enhance food security, and support a sustainable sweetpotato value chain for the country.
The forum is one of the highlight activities of the Council’s 53rd Founding Anniversary Celebration, themed, “GALING PCAARRD: Science, Technology, and Innovation that Work, Partnerships that Last for the AANR Sector.”